Friday, November 4, 2011

Medicine


I've been feeling a little anxious lately, for various reasons.  Not anxious as in 'slightly nervous,' but anxious as in 'psychological illness.'  When I was 23 I developed a anxiety disorder and was on medication for a year.  It was hellish.  Since then I've learned to recognize the warning signs within me, and try (as best I can) to take steps to prevent it from progressing too far.


One of the ways I've learned to appease the anxiety is to spend time outside, forcing myself to recognize nature's simple beauty.  On days like today, it isn't all that hard a task.  We've had some ridiculously lovely weather recently--warm sunny days and cool clear nights.  Geese and ducks are moving in the sky.  Deer and turkeys are moving in the meadows. 


Most of the trees are bare.  Just a few oak and cottonwood leaves still clinging to branches.  Tall stalks of wildflowers and grasses have shed their seeds.  The corn and soybeans have been harvested, and farmers are tilling broad black swaths around the field edges. 


Weathered fence posts and abandoned groves are lonely reminders of farms long gone.  Skeleton trees shine white in the sun along old fields and sloughs. The lake water is clear and blue, reflecting the open sky.  When the wind blows you can sense the distance, the vast oceans and forests and grasslands over which it has traveled.

I'm very fortunate to live here.

7 comments:

Freedom Acres Farm said...

I am a green horn. The field across from us JUST disced a swath around the outside edge of his field. I have to ask... WHY do they do this? What is it for? I know I'm showing my ignorance but I just have to ask LOL

Prairie Cat said...

Great post. I wish everyone could just stop and enjoy the beauty around them every once and awhile. I am sure it would help relieve the stress and anxiety that fills most people's daily lives.

Jo said...

FAF -- Don't be ashamed of being a greenhorn, I've lived out here 9 years and I'm still clueless! They till around the edges of the fields to help drainage in the spring. At least that's what I've always thought...

Prairie Cat -- Thanks. I agree, reconnecting with the natural world does much to ease the stress of a busy life.

Mama Pea said...

Jo, you are a strong, insightful lady taking good medicine.

Erin said...

Thinking of you! Great photos, especially love the one with the fenceposts :)

Jo said...

Mama Pea & Erin -- Thank you! You two are totally awesome! As my 10-year-old would say! :)

Anonymous said...

It's the coming of winter, Jo. I think you suffer every fall. I'm so sorry... you're right to go outside though and enjoy whatever is left before the snow hits. You'll be here for Thanksgiving before you know it... I'll pump you full of tea and good cheer!!!